For Immediate Release
August 14, 2013
ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is applauding the provincial government’s launch of its final phase in the New Harbour Remediation Project and is encouraging the Department of Environment and Conservation to address other sites throughout the province which require attention.
“By launching the final phase of its remediation of the New Harbour landfill, the provincial government is doing what is right for the residents of New Harbour, and the natural environment,” said Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA.
In 1994 a number of transformer casings, which were contaminated with polychloinated biphenyls (PCBs), were land-filled at the New Harbour Barrens waste disposal site. The New Harbour landfill was closed in 2009 when the government moved towards a regional waste management structure, however the casings and hazard to the natural environment remained.
“These casings have presented an environmental danger to aquatic life, plant life, and animal life in the area. Their removal will eliminate that risk” said Lomond.
NEIA believes the government’s work in New Harbour is commendable, and suggests that the same approach be taken on other contaminated sites that may exist across Newfoundland and Labrador.
NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the environmental industry in this province. It is Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier resource for the industry offering a diverse range of expert knowledge and services in the business of mitigating and minimizing environmental damage for the protection and enhancement of the environment for present and future generations. NEIA has over 140 members.
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Media Contact:
Ted Lomond
709.237.8390